The history of this Dorset town (once famous for its rope-making industry) is unique in that Dissenters - the 'Respectable Society' of the title - quite illegally took control of the Corporation around 1715, thus defying the Corporation and Test Acts, and remained in possession until after the repeal of those Acts. Originally Bridport consisted of two towns, the first probably Saxon in origin while the second grew up during the thirteenth century

The author begins his account in 1593, for during his research the old grammar school that no one had heard of 'emerged from the archival dust as a fact of history' and was completed by the middle of that year; and ends with the reformed corporation brought into being by the Act of 1835. The two-and-a-half centuries between provide a fascinating story of the rise and hey-day of 'a respectable society' that made a permanent mark upon the structure, the social life and the industry of this attractive West Country town. The text is supported by 23 illustrations.

Basil Short is the Unitarian Minister in the town; he lectures in local history for the extra-mural department of Bristol University and is Vice-Chairman of Bridport Civic Society.